Kenya defies austerity, buys 12 US helicopters
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Austerity does not apply to the military, nit when we are at war
War gani ? and don’t talk of those Boni forest IED shiet
It’s still a war man and don’t underate those skinnies, they are capable of causing serious damage.
World war 1 bootleg choppers. Hii haikosi ata Vietnam imeenda. Panel beating kiasi then sold to us at the fee of a new generation chopper. Hii gava bure kabisa
Ni
nimeona avatar yako inaka nika Uhunye anamjibu
Are you saying that body filler has been used to bring out the curves …shait .Not another Choda Inc product.
Smells of arm twisting by uncle sam and kimwana being the spineless jellyfish he is said yes ! Anyway ongezza kwa deni !
Niaje @Jazzman?
Githeri media can’t even get facts right despite having the right info within its own offices. This was the same story they did on the same a while back. Now they are using the same pictures of Bell Huey ll helicopters to write a story of another helicopter ordered that’s totally different.
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The last two of eight Bell Huey II helicopters that were delivered by the US on July 19, 2017 to the Kenya Air Force. The first six were delivered in December last year and are meant to boost the fight against Al-Shabaab. PHOTO | COURTESY
By FRED MUKINDA
Six similar choppers were delivered on December 2, 2016, and are being used to deploy rapid response units to and from the battle field in Somalia. The choppers will also be used for delivering emergency supplies and evacuating troops from danger zones. The US on Wednesday delivered two additional helicopters to the Kenya Air Force, fulfilling a promise to help strengthen the military in the war against Al-Shabaab.
Six similar choppers were delivered on December 2, 2016, and are being used to deploy rapid response units to and from the battle field in Somalia. The entire fleet of helicopters Bell Huey II cost Sh11.5 billion (USD 11.5 million).
“They will bolster the KDF’s capacity to combat Al-Shabaab, an effort that will bring more stability and peace to East Africa,” said the US embassy in Nairobi.
EVACUATING TROOPS
The embassy said the helicopters have an exceptional capacity to operate in hot and high-elevation environments, while being rugged enough to endure extended operations with minimal maintenance.
“Our military cooperation with Kenya is one of the deepest and most important security relationships for the US in all of Africa.
We work to build our mutual security and peace throughout the region so that both of our countries are safer and more secure,” said US ambassador Robert Godec. The choppers will also be used for delivering emergency supplies and evacuating troops from danger zones.
KDF has had the same Bell MD500 light attack and scouting chopper for decades and they have reached their 25 years service limit which means they have to be replaced.
KDF older Bell MD500 Light attack/scout chopper
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The new Bell MD500F light attack, scout and reconnaissance chopper on order
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US government has cleared the purchase of 12 new American made light attack helicopter gunships to boost the Kenya’s military air capabilities.According to Kenya Defence Forces sources, the new attack helicopters; MD530F are set to replace ageing MD500 fleet. Kenya’s MD500 helicopters constitutes the core of the reconnaissance equipment supporting KDF ground forces especially in the ongoing fight against the Islamist Al-Shabaab terrorists in Somalia.
The deal has been approved despite opposition to an earlier weapons purchase deal Kenya had sought from Washington.
According to US State Department, the purchase estimated to be worth $253 million (Sh25 billion). The deal includes the purchase of 12 MD530F Cayuse Warrior light attack helicopters, machine gun pod systems, rocket launcher systems and assorted ammunition. According to the sources, U.S Army Security Assistance Command was expected to send Kenya a formal letter of offer and acceptance (LOA).
In total, KDF will receive 12 MD530F weaponries helicopters, 24 heavy machinegun pods, 24 HMP400 machine gun pod systems, 24 M260 rocket pods and 4,032 M151 high-explosive rockets.
Others equipment include 1,536 M274 smoke rockets, 400,000 rounds of .50 calibre ammunition and communications/navigation equipment.
US is also expected to provide Kenya with logistical support, training and technical assistance and spare parts and field service support under the deal. The helicopter in the proposed sale has been used for a similar mission scope by the Afghan Air Force. This purchase will significantly enhance the KDF modernization efforts and increase interoperability with the U.S Armed Forces and other partners in the region.
Mboss, mambo ya military planes kama hujui unauliza. A MD F-15 Eagle was made in 1972, and its still serving to date, why so? Coz all they do is upgrade its avionics, armaments and engine system. Body ni ileile tuuuu…A nd still being produced to date in different variants…
And to think Melania was here to see flying toilets first hand
Hajafika, kuwa mpole…
Ngai ,nikii wajita ati Jazzman. I am not him not even related.:D:D:D:D:D
We need plenty of those bell choppers ndiyo TZ wakiendelea kuleta ujinga ,we deploy a few and annex Mt Kilimanjaro…
You are unable to reclaim Migingo annexing Kilimanjaro ndio mtaweza?
wangeletea Arap SINGH Osprey yake aingie nayo black ops gold mission pale Congo
These things were ordered last year.
This is just over-priced scrap that will be rotting our hangars.